Zinc Nutrition Research Articles

Assessment of zinc inadequacy among tribal adolescent population of central India - A cross-sectional study.

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient in adolescence, required for promoting growth and sexual maturation. Adolescents of some tribes may be at high risk of zinc deficiency due to dietary inadequacy and poor bioavailability of zinc from plant-based diets. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of zinc deficiency by estimating prevalence of inadequate zinc intake, prevalence of low serum zinc and stunting among tribal adolescents. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among adolescents (10-19 yr) in three purposively selected districts where Bhil, Korku and Gond tribes were in majority. Structured data collection instrument comprising information about sociodemographic characteristics and dietary recall data was used. Anthropometric assessment was conducted by standardized weighing scales and anthropometry tapes, and blood sample was collected from antecubital vein into trace element-free vacutainers. Serum zinc was estimated using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A total of 2310 households were approached for participation in the study, of which 2224 households having 5151 adolescents participated. Out of these enlisted adolescents, 4673 responded to dietary recall (90.7% response rate). Anthropometry of 2437 participants was carried out, and serum zinc was analyzed in 844 adolescents. The overall prevalence of dietary zinc inadequacy was 42.6 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI) 41.2 to 44.1] with reference to the estimated average requirement suggested by International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) and 64.8 per cent (95% CI 63.4 to 66.2) with Indian Council of Medical Research-recommended requirements. Stunting was observed in 29 per cent (95% CI 27.2 to 30.8) participants. According to IZiNCG cut-offs, low serum zinc was detected in 57.5 per cent (95% CI 54.1 to 60.8) of adolescents, whereas it was 34.4 per cent (95% CI: 31.2-37.5) according to the national level cut-off. Risk of dietary zinc inadequacy and low serum zinc concentration amongst adolescents of the Gond, Bhil and Korku tribes is a public health concern.

The Use of Stable Zinc Isotope Soil Labeling to Assess the Contribution of Complex Organic Fertilizers to the Zinc Nutrition of Ryegrass.

Manure and sewage sludge are known to add significant amounts of zinc (Zn) and other metals to soils. However, there is a paucity of information on the fate of Zn that derives from complex organic fertilizers in soil–plant systems and the contribution of these fertilizers to the Zn nutrition of crops. To answer these questions, we grew Italian ryegrass in the presence of ZnSO4, sewage sludge, and cattle and poultry manure in an acidic soil from Heitenried, Switzerland, and an alkaline soil from Strickhof, Switzerland, where the isotopically exchangeable Zn had been labeled with 67Zn. This allowed us to calculate the fraction of Zn in the shoots that was derived from fertilizer, soil, and seed over 4 successive cuts. In addition, we measured the 67Zn:66Zn isotope ratio with the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) on soils labeled with 67Zn and incubated with the same fertilizers. After 48 days of growth, the largest fraction of Zn in the ryegrass shoots was derived from the soil (79–88%), followed by the Zn-containing fertilizer (11–20%); the least (<2.3%) came from the seed. Only a minor fraction of the Zn applied with the fertilizer was transferred to the shoots (4.7–12%), which indicates that most of the freshly added Zn remained in the soil after one crop cycle and may thereby contribute to a residual Zn pool in the soil. The 67Zn:66Zn isotope ratios in the DGT extracts and the shoots measured at cut 4 were identical, suggesting that the DGT and plant took up Zn from the same pool. The proportion of Zn derived from the fertilizers in the DGT extracts was also identical to that measured in ryegrass shoots at cut 4. In conclusion, this work shows that stable Zn isotope labeling of the soil available Zn can be used to precisely quantify the impact of complex organic fertilizers on the Zn nutrition of crops. It also demonstrates that DGT extractions on labeled soils could be used to estimate the contribution of Zn fertilizers to plant nutrition.

Effect of Zinc Fortification on Quality, Yield and Economics of Sweetcorn

A field experiment was performed at Agricultural College, Bapatla, ANGRAU, Guntur during kharif season of 2020 to evaluate the efficacy of zinc nutrition on quality, yield and economics of sweetcorn. Experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design and comprising of nine treatments with three replications. The results disclosed that application of recommended dose of fertilizers along with soil application of 10 kg ha-1 Zn EDTA + two foliar sprays of nano zinc @ 250 ppm at 20 &amp; 40 DAS registered remarkably higher protein content (12.98%) and zinc content (34.59 ppm) in kernel which was considered to be superior over the remaining zinc management practices tried. Also, highest green cob (12,638 kg ha-1), green fodder (19,674 kg ha-1), stover yield (7,590 kg ha-1) and gross returns (₹ 1,93,360 ha-1) was recorded from the treatment with soil application of Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 + two foliar sprays of nano zinc @ 250 ppm at 20 &amp; 40 DAS along with RDF over control. However, highest net returns (₹ 1,38,664 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.74) was recorded with RDF + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 and 40 DAS (Foliar spray). The effectiveness of Zn EDTA compared to ZnSO4 is responsible for the higher quality parameters and yield of sweetcorn but due to its higher cost, Net returns and B;C ratio are maximum for the plots treated with ZnSO4 making it more economically viable.

Prevalence and Correlates of Zinc Deficiency Among Vietnamese Women of Reproductive Age in Ho Chi Minh City: A Single Hospital-Based Survey.

Background and Objectives: Zinc is a micronutrient that plays an important role in metabolism, cell growth regulation, and differentiation. Vietnam has many population groups living in poverty. The daily food of Vietnamese people is mainly rice, which contains very little zinc. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of, and factors related to, zinc deficiency in women of reproductive age.Methods and Study Design: The sample population was non-pregnant women of reproductive age (18–49 years old) who visited Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital Gynecological Outpatient Clinic. The subjects were interviewed and data on background characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests (serum zinc concentration, complete blood count, albumin, and ferritin) were collected.Results: The prevalence of zinc deficiency, as defined by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG), was 85% [61/72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 74–91%], and the prevalence of severe zinc deficiency was 37% (27/72; 95% CI = 26–50%). There were significant associations of albumin concentration, marital status, and past pregnancy history with severe zinc deficiency.Conclusions: More than three-fourths of Vietnamese women of reproductive age had zinc deficiency at our study site in Ho Chi Minh City. This health issue requires greater attention in order to swiftly promote preventive actions, and further surveillance to confirm our study findings.

Establishing and validation of new critical limits of zinc for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Alfisols of Karnataka, India

Critical limit (CL) determination of zinc (Zn) is much more important to assess the response of crop to its application in soils and for crops actual fertilizer requirement. This experiment was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in sandy clay loam texture soils. Based on the results of the pot culture experiment, the critical limits of DTPA, AB-DTPA, Mehlich-3, tomato plant and tomato fruit are 1.12, 1.20, 2.15, 34 and 58 mg kg−1, respectively. Tomato was highly responded to Zn application in soils below the critical limit whereas soils with Zn greater than 1.12 mg kg−1 did not respond much. For the confirmation of pot culture results, two field experiments were carried out during 2017–18 with different Zn treatments one in high and other in low zinc soils. The study concluded that for both low zinc and high zinc soils external application of zinc through Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + ZnSO4 @ 30 kg ha−1 as soil application (SA) + foliar application (FA) @ 0.50% ZnSO4 and RDF + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha−1 as SA + FA @ 0.25% ZnSO4 significantly improved yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of nutrients, which helped in getting higher benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 4.74 and 4.96, respectively. This information is helpful in site-specific zinc nutrition in tomato and to enhance the productivity and profitability.

Organo Zinc Chelates for Improving the Yield and Zinc Nutrition of Hybrid Tomato on Calcareous Soil Under Drip Fertigation

Organo Zinc Chelates for Improving the Yield and Zinc Nutrition of Hybrid Tomato on Calcareous Soil Under Drip Fertigation

Effect of Potassium and Zinc Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Short Duration Maize (Zea mays L.) under Dryland Vertisols

Background: The black soils (vertisols) are often considered to be high in potassium content however; under intensive cultivation of high nutrient demanding crop like maize; the soil available potassium might not be sufficient to fulfil the demand. Moreover; the interaction between potassium and micronutrients like zinc has to evaluated for higher crop yield under dryland condition. Methods: The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD design with two factors, i.e., potassium (K) and zinc (Zn), with three levels of each (K1- 30 kg K2O ha-1, K2- 60 kg K2O ha-1, K3- 90 kg K2O ha-1; Zn1- 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, Zn2- 30 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and Zn3- 40 kg ZnSO4 ha-1). Result: Statistical interpretation of experimental data revealed that application of potassium at 60 kg K2O ha-1 and 30 kg of ZnSO4 ha-1 resulted improved plant height, number of functional leaves plants-1, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, grain yield, stover yield and shelling percentage in maize. Interestingly positive interaction has also been recorded between potassium and zinc nutrition.

Zinc Nutritional Status and Risk Factors of Elderly in the China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance 2015.

Objectives: To analyze the serum zinc nutrition status of the Chinese elderly, and to assess the risk factor for zinc deficiency. Methods: 3727 elderly people over 60 years old were randomly selected from 302 monitoring points in 31 provinces of China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (CACDNS) 2015. Blood samples were selected from the biological sample bank of CACDNS 2015 and the basic information were collected by questionnaires. The criteria of serum zinc deficiency recommended by the International Zinc Nutrition Consulting Group (IZiNCG) were adopted, and the related factors were also analyzed. Results: The median serum zinc concentration of Chinese elderly was 99.2 (84.3~118.7) μg/dL. The overall adjusted prevalence of zinc deficiency was 8.68%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 7.74% and 9.61%. Significant differences were found in different sex, age groups, Body Mass Index (BMI), residence region, race and education level in terms of serum zinc status in the elderly (p < 0.05). Participants who are males, aged above 70y, with BMIs of less than 18.5 kg/m2, living in rural areas, minority, and with the lowest income had a higher prevalence of zinc deficiency in the subgroups under different classifications. The risk of zinc deficiency in the elderly over 70y was 1.44 higher than those aged 60–69y (OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.14–1.82), and the minority elderly has a 1.39 higher risk than Han nationality (OR = 1.39, 95%CI 1.01–1.91), while overweight/obesity and female elderly were at lower risk (OR < 1, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of zinc deficiency in the elderly was highest in all adults in the CACDNS. It is recommended that the male elderly, over 70 years, and the minority elderly should pay more attention to the zinc nutrition status of their own.

Combined Effect of Salinity and Zinc Nutrition on Some Physiological and Biochemical Properties of Rosemary

ABSTRACT Salinity and reducing its destructive effects on plant, soil, and water is among the most important challenges in agricultural lands. This study aims to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) and salinity on some physiological and biochemical properties of rosemary. A greenhouse experiment with two levels of Zn (0 and 20 mg kg−1) and salinity of sodium chloride (0, 60, and 120 mM) in a completely randomized design was used. Salinity decreased dry weight and concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in rosemary shoots. However, it increased electrolyte leakage, shoot sodium concentration, phenolic compounds, and catalase activity. Zinc application increased rosemary dry weight by 13% and 9% under salinity levels of 0 and 60 mM NaCl, respectively. However, at higher salinity level (120 mM), it could not ameliorate the negative impact of salinity. Zinc improved the growth of rosemary under salinity stress by increasing the cell membrane stability, increasing shoot K, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations, and decreasing shoot Na concentration. The concentration of phenolic compounds in the leaves of rosemary grown under the salinity levels of 0 and 60 mM NaCl increased under the influence of Zn application. Nevertheless, the phenolic content remained unchanged under 120 mM NaCl salinity level. In this study, Zn addition increased catalase activity under all salinity levels. According to the results, optimum soil Zn application can be considered as an efficient and rapid solution for increasing rosemary growth and its tolerance to salinity stress.

Comparison of Serum, Plasma, and Liver Zinc Measurements by AAS, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS in Diverse Laboratory Settings

Progress improving zinc nutrition globally is slowed by limited understanding of population zinc status. This challenge is compounded when small differences in measurement can bias the determination of zinc deficiency rates. Our objective was to evaluate zinc analytical accuracy and precision among different instrument types and sample matrices using a standardized method. Participating laboratories analyzed zinc content of plasma, serum, liver samples, and controls, using a standardized method based on current practice. Instrument calibration and drift were evaluated using a zinc standard. Accuracy was evaluated by percent error vs. reference, and precision by coefficient of variation (CV). Seven laboratories in 4 countries running 9 instruments completed the exercise: 4 atomic absorbance spectrometers (AAS), 1 inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and 4 ICP mass spectrometers (ICP-MS). Calibration differed between individual instruments up to 18.9% (p < 0.001). Geometric mean (95% CI) percent error was 3.5% (2.3%, 5.2%) and CV was 2.1% (1.7%, 2.5%) overall. There were no significant differences in percent error or CV among instrument types (p = 0.91, p = 0.15, respectively). Among sample matrices, serum and plasma zinc measures had the highest CV: 4.8% (3.0%, 7.7%) and 3.9% (2.9%, 5.4%), respectively (p < 0.05). When using standardized materials and methods, similar zinc concentration values, accuracy, and precision were achieved using AAS, ICP-OES, or ICP-MS. However, method development is needed for improvement in serum and plasma zinc measurement precision. Differences in calibration among instruments demonstrate a need for harmonization among laboratories.

Prevalence of low serum zinc concentrations in Indian children and adolescents: findings from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016–18

It is thought that there is a high risk of zinc deficiency in India, but there are no representative national estimates. We aimed to evaluate the national and state-level prevalence of low serum zinc concentrations (SZCs) in Indian children from the nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey. Prevalence of low SZC, adjusted for C-reactive protein, was estimated among preschool (1-4 y; n=7874) and school-age children (5-9 y; n=10,430) and adolescents (10-19 y; n=10,140), using SZC cutoffs defined by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group. Prevalence of low SZC was high among adolescents (31.1%; 95% CI: 29.8%, 32.4%), compared with school-age (15.8%; 95% CI: 15.3%, 16.3%) or preschool children (17.4%; 95% CI: 16.7%, 18.0%). However, stratification of prevalence by fasting status or using an alternative lower SZC cutoff independent of fasting status led to a reduction in prevalence by 3.7% or 7.8% in children <10 y, respectively. The prevalence of low SZC was higher among rural preschool children, those belonging to households with poor socioeconomic status, and those with severe stunting or underweight. Preschool children with diarrhea (22.6%; 95% CI: 20.8%, 24.4%), productive cough (22.7%; 95% CI: 18.5%, 27.5%), or malaria/dengue (38.5%; 95% CI: 29.4%, 48.2%) in the 2 wk preceding the survey had a higher prevalence of low SZC than those without morbidity (16.5%; 95% CI: 15.9%, 17.2%; 17.6%; 95% CI: 16.9%, 18.2%; and 17.5%; 95% CI: 16.8%, 18.1%, respectively). The national prevalence of low SZC among preschool (17%) or school-age children (16%) was <20%, which is considered the cutoff indicating a problem of public health significance; but there were variations by state and socioeconomic status. In adolescents, however, the prevalence of low SZC was 31%, which warrants further investigation. The association of low SZC with diarrhea in preschool children necessitates better coverage of Zn administration in the management of diarrhea.

Effect of Sulfur and Zinc Nutrition on Yield and Uptake by Wheat

Effect of Sulfur and Zinc Nutrition on Yield and Uptake by Wheat

Serum zinc status is a matter of concern among children and non-pregnant women in a nationwide survey of Nepal

Nationally representative population data on zinc status in Nepal is lacking at present. This study analyzed data from the recent Nepal National Micronutrient status survey 2016 to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated risk factors among children aged 6–59 months (n = 1462) and non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years (n = 1923). Venous blood was collected from the participants to measure micronutrients such as zinc, markers of anemia, RBP (vitamin A), and markers of inflammation. Stool samples were collected to assess soil-transmitted helminths and Helicobacter pylori infection. Socio-demographic, household, and other relevant factors were collected by a structured questionnaire. Serum zinc concentration was measured by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, and zinc deficiency was defined according to the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group’s guidelines. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of zinc deficiency among the participants. The overall zinc deficiency in children was 22.9%, while it was higher in non-pregnant women (24.7%). The prevalence of anemia among zinc-deficient children was higher (21.3%) than the zinc non-deficit children (18.7%). The prevalence of anemia was 18% among zinc-deficient non-pregnant women compared to 22% non-deficit non-pregnant women. Predictors associated with zinc deficiency among the study children were living in rural areas (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI, [1.13, 4.49]), the occurrence of diarrhea during the two weeks preceding the survey (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI, [1.07, 2.30]), lowest household wealth quintile (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI, [0.25, 0.92]) and lower vitamin A status (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI, [0.28, 0.85]. The predictors associated with zinc deficiency among non-pregnant women were: being underweight (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI, [1.12, 2.15]), fever occurrence during two weeks preceding the survey (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI, [1.04, 1.98]), H. pylori in the stool (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI, [1.04, 1.71]), lowest household wealth quintile (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI,[0.40, 0.94]) and being at risk of folate deficiency (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI,[0.36, 0.94]). We conclude that community-level intervention programs focused on rural children and women to prevent diarrhea, improve nutrition counseling, and provide economic opportunities in rural communities may help to lower zinc deficiency and other micronutrient deficiencies in the Nepalese population. We believe that intervention programs to address zinc deficiency should not be isolated. Instead, integrated approaches are beneficial to improve overall micronutrient status, such as encouraging dietary diversity, providing livelihood opportunities to the unemployed, micronutrient supplementation to vulnerable populations, and consumption of zinc-rich animal-based foods.

Exogenous copper exposure causing clinical wilson disease in a patient with copper deficiency

BackgroundHuman Swayback is a disease characterized by acquired copper deficiency which primarily manifests as myeloneuropathy. Common causes include malabsorptive disorders, gastric surgery, total parenteral nutrition and excessive zinc intake. In contrast, copper supplementation should be closely monitored as excessive doses can lead to acute intoxication and in chronic cases, cirrhosis. Copper derangements are rare, however it is important to consider them due to potential severe complications.Case presentationWe present a middle-aged man who had been previously diagnosed with Human Swayback after presenting with various neurological symptoms. The patient was subsequently placed on copper supplementation. A decade later, he was referred to our hospital for liver transplant evaluation due to new diagnosis of decompensated end-stage liver disease after an abdominal surgery. His initial workup was suggestive of Wilson disease—subsequent ATP7B gene was negative. Ultimately, the patient underwent liver transplantation; liver explant was significant for a copper dry weight concentration of 5436 mcg/g.ConclusionsHuman Swayback is a very rare copper-related disease which deserves awareness due to its potential irreversible health effects in the human body. Additionally, in patients who require copper supplementation, serial levels should be monitored to ensure adequate copper levels.

Unravelling homeostasis effects of phosphorus and zinc nutrition by leaf photochemistry and metabolic adjustment in cotton plants

Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) uptake and its physiological use in plants are interconnected and are tightly controlled. However, there is still conflicting information about the interactions of these two nutrients, thus a better understanding of nutritional homeostasis is needed. The objective of this work was to evaluate responses of photosynthesis parameters, P-Zn nutritional homeostasis and antioxidant metabolism to variation in the P × Zn supply of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Plants were grown in pots and watered with nutrient solution containing combinations of P and Zn supply. An excess of either P or Zn limited plant growth, reduced photosynthesis-related parameters, and antioxidant scavenging enzymes. Phosphorus uptake favoured photochemical dissipation of energy decreasing oxidative stress, notably on Zn-well-nourished plants. On the other hand, excessive P uptake reduces Zn-shoot concentration and decreasing carbonic anhydrase activity. Adequate Zn supply facilitated adaptation responses to P deficiency, upregulating acid phosphatase activity, whereas Zn and P excess were alleviated by increasing P and Zn supply, respectively. Collectively, the results showed that inter ionic effects of P and Zn uptake affected light use and CO2 assimilation rate on photosynthesis, activation of antioxidant metabolism, acid phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase activities, and plant growth-related responses to different extents.

Growth and Yield of Sweetcorn as Influenced by Zinc Fertilization

In order to investigate the effect of zinc nutrition on growth, yield, and quality parameters of sweetcorn, a field experiment comprising of nine treatments with three replications was carried out in Randomised Block Design during Kharif, season 2020 on sandy clay soils of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The analysis of variance showed a significant effect of zinc application on growth and yield parameters. The detailed results of the study showed that among the various zinc fortification treatments, RDF + Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 &amp; 40 DAS (Foliar spray) registered superior plant growth characters like plant height at harvest (214.4 cm) leaf area index at harvest (2.94) and dry matter accumulation at harvest (9903 kg ha-1). The yield parameters like no. of seed rows per cob (16.84), no. of seeds per row (32.57), green cob yield (12,638 kg ha-1), and green fodder yield (19,674 kg ha-1) were maximum with RDF + Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 &amp; 40 DAS (Foliar spray) which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments whereas lower growth and yield was noticed with RDF alone.

Estimating phytate intake from the US diet using the NHANES data

Phytate found in plant source foods has long been considered an antinutrient but recent studies have shown its beneficial antioxidant properties. Despite its health benefits, there are very few options for assessing phytate intake, especially in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to demonstrate an approach for estimating phytate intake from the US diet using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. We used data from NHANES 2009–2010 and 2013–2014 cycles and their corresponding Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). To estimate phytate intake, the phytate content of nine food groups from the Food and Agriculture Organization/International Network of Food Data Systems/International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (FAO/INFOODS/IZiNCG) database were merged with the appropriate FPED data. Phytate intake values were first estimated at the food group level and summed up to obtain daily intakes using two different approaches depending on the FPED data chosen. The mean phytate intake was 738 ± 10 mg/day for 2009–2010 and 784 ± 16 mg/day for 2013–2014. Refined grains contributed 52–53 % while nuts and seeds contributed 11–12 % to phytate intake. This new approach will be useful for further evaluating the relationships among phytate intake, micronutrient status and other health outcomes in the US population.

Enablers and Barriers of Zinc Fortification; Experience from 10 Low- and Middle-Income Countries with Mandatory Large-Scale Food Fortification.

Adequate zinc nutrition is important for child growth, neurodevelopment, immune function, and normal pregnancy outcomes. Seventeen percent of the global population is estimated to be at risk for inadequate zinc intake. However, zinc is not included in the fortification standards of several low- and middle-income countries with mandatory fortification programs, despite data suggesting a zinc deficiency public health problem. To guide policy decisions, we investigated the factors enabling and impeding the inclusion of zinc as a fortificant by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 key informants from 10 countries. Findings revealed the decision to include zinc was influenced by guidance from international development partners and enabled by the assessment of zinc deficiency, mandatory regional food fortification standards which included zinc, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for zinc fortification, and the low cost of zinc compound commonly used. Barriers included the absence of zinc from regional fortification standards, limited available data on the efficacy and effectiveness of zinc fortification, and the absence of national objectives related to the prevention of zinc deficiency. To promote zinc fortification there is a need to put the prevention of zinc deficiency higher on the international nutrition agenda and to promote large-scale food fortification as a key deficiency mitigation strategy.

Correction to: Zinc fractions and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by Olsen-P levels in soil

Correction to: Zinc fractions and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by Olsen-P levels in soil

Efficacy of zinc nutrition for improving zinc content at different growth stages of rainfed pea-maize sequence in Northwestern Himalaya

In India, zinc (Zn) is now considered as fourth most important yield limiting nutrient of agricultural crops. Zinc deficiency in Indian soils is likely to increase from 42 to 63% by 2025. Efficacy of zinc nutrition for improving zinc content at different growth stages of rainfed pea-maize sequence in Northwestern Himalaya was carried out for two years (2014–15 and 2015–16) at the experimental farm of hill Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Bajaura, Kullu (H.P). Four priming levels of Zn (0% ZnSO4 – water soaking, 1% ZnSO4, 2% ZnSO4, and 3% ZnSO4) and three priming durations (4 , 8 and 12 hr) were compared with basal dose of recommended NPK + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha−1 and farmers’ practice (40% N of RDF + unprimed seed-control). The Zn content of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) crop at various growth stages was found maximum due to priming with 3% ZnSO4 for a period of 12 hr.